A new Beyond Limits mentor programme – empowering Norfolk care-experienced young people – is being launched by Norfolk County Council. Care-experienced James Waterson, who is leading the team of volunteer mentors, explains more
A new programme is supporting Norfolk children and young people in care by pairing them with inspiring mentors who understand their challenges and achievements. Norfolk County Council is launching the Beyond Limits mentor scheme, after young people asked for a programme where they could be paired with successful young people with similar experiences, Currently the scheme has recruited five care-experienced young adults from Norfolk who will provide dedicated support, taking time to understand each young person and the challenges they face, while helping them believe in themselves and work toward a positive future.
Mentors will be visiting schools, colleges and other settings to meet children and young people. They will also be speaking at events and supporting training sessions for employers and professionals.
The mentors will:
- Provide real-life examples of success – even when life has been tough
- Offer relatable advice that is real and encouraging
- Share achievements and stories so everyone can learn and feel supported
- Show what is possible and build confidence
- Help inform schools and employers how best to support children and young people.
The team will be led by James Waterson, Virtual School Apprentice Project Manager. James joined Norfolk County Council to help build a team of volunteer mentors who, like him, are all care experienced. James said: “Our aspiration for this team is to create a space where young people feel comfortable reaching out. A place where they’ll always find someone ready to listen, understand and offer them advice from lived experience.
“In working environments, we can offer fresh ideas, creative problem-solving, and a depth of understanding that strengthens teams. We want to help build workplaces and communities that are more inclusive, innovative and empathetic. When children and young people are given the chance to grow and flourish, they enrich the spaces around them.”
Penny Carpenter, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services at Norfolk County Council said: “We want every child and young person to feel empowered, encouraged and supported. By sharing their own stories and experiences, our new mentors will be able to help build confidence, raise aspirations and create a sense of belonging.
“Young people in our care have achieved some remarkable things and we’re incredibly proud that they want to share their skills and knowledge with other young people, so that they too can flourish.”
To find out more about the team, you can view videos and more information here: Beyond Limits Alumni Scheme – Norfolk Schools and Learning Providers – Norfolk County Council, If you are a young person in Norfolk currently in care or know someone who could benefit from the support of a mentor (or if you are 18 or over and care-experienced in Norfolk and would like to learn more about becoming a mentor, or if you’d like our mentors to visit your school or workplace), please email James at jamie.waterson@norfolk.gov.uk.
Featured image of (left to right) James Waterson, Virtual School Apprentice Project Manager and Amy-Leigh Wilson, Beyond Limits mentor)
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